Infallibility affirmed firmly; verbal inerrancy debated; diverse views permitted within denomination
The RCA affirms that Scripture is infallible—it will not fail to accomplish its purpose and is reliable in all matters it addresses. However, the RCA has experienced ongoing scholarly and pastoral debate regarding the extent of inerrancy, particularly verbal inerrancy (the idea that every word is without error).
Historically, the RCA held views closer to inerrancy, but in the twentieth century the denomination became more diverse on this question. Some RCA ministers and theologians affirm verbal inerrancy strictly. Others hold that infallibility is compatible with minor historical discrepancies or copyist errors that do not affect the teachings of Scripture. Still others prefer to speak only of infallibility rather than inerrancy.
The RCA does not impose a single position on biblical authority. The commitment to Scripture's trustworthiness and authority is firm, but the denomination permits diversity regarding the precise formulation of how that trustworthiness extends to historical and scientific details. This reflects the RCA's experience as a mainline denomination engaging with modern biblical scholarship.
Key Distinctions
- Inerrancy scope:
- Original text authoritative; modern texts reliable with minor variations
Scripture References
Sources
- Belgic Confession Article V-VI
- RCA Theological Reflection